Flood warning: Dublin clash gives Wilkinson edge in race for No 10

England are poised to hand Jonny Wilkinson the familiar task of galvanising their attack in Saturday’s clash with Ireland in Dublin, as he takes a giant step towards reclaiming the prized No 10 shirt for the World Cup.

The 32-year-old Toulon fly-half has played second fiddle to former Newcastle team-mate Toby Flood since the end of the 2010 Six Nations, but Sportsmail understands he has forced his way up the pecking order for the tournament in New Zealand.

Wilkinson produced an assured, match-winning performance against Wales at Twickenham in the national team’s first warm-up game on August 6 and that, coupled with his rival’s off-key efforts a week later at the Millennium Stadium, have forced manager Martin Johnson and his coaches into a rethink.

Flood’s sterling work over the past 17 months has been a major factor in England’s steady revival, culminating in a first Six Nations triumph in eight years.

However, he is set to lose his place at stand-off just a fortnight before the World Cup opener against Argentina in Dunedin on September 10.

And although Johnson suggested he would consider the Leicester man alongside Wilkinson in a dual-playmaker, 10-12 combination, Johnson will experiment in midfield with Flood’s team-mate Manu Tuilagi and stand-in captain Mike Tindall.

The game against Ireland was initially earmarked as a full-scale dress rehearsal for the Pool B showdown against the Pumas — featuring the XV destined to line up for that match.

Here's Jonny: Wilkinson looks set to get the nod ahead of Flood for the Dublin clash with Ireland

Circumstances and uncertainty over selection in various areas have forced the national management to admit that they may instead shuffle their options again upon arrival in New Zealand and another strong contribution from Wilkinson will surely leave him in prime position to keep his place as the goal-kicker and conductor.

Likewise, if Tuilagi shines again, the much-maligned Shontayne Hape may be pushed aside.

After just one full season of senior rugby, Tuilagi has emerged as the exciting new talent in England’s ranks; one who has impressed his new team-mates throughout the summer training camp.

One season wonder: Manu Tuilagi is included in the England squad after just one year at Leicester

The Samoa-born centre’s greatest asset is his formidable power and in that regard he calls on divine assistance. The devout Christian, who often wears a cross around his neck, said: ‘I pray before every game and when I run out I do the sign of the cross. I ask God for the strength to do the job on the field.’

The Almighty is evidently listening. Tuilagi marked his Test debut against Wales with a try at Twickenham little more than a year after he was nearly deported for out-staying his tourist visa.

The 20-year-old insisted that the call from Johnson to say he had made the cut for the final 30 was a pleasant shock. ‘I got a phone call last Monday and I just couldn’t believe I was in,’ he said.

‘I’m pretty pleased. I rang my family straight away, back in Samoa. They were asleep at the time — it was four o’clock in the morning there, but they were very happy for me.

‘They will definitely come over to watch me, because it’s not far from Samoa to New Zealand. There will be a lot of Tuilagis out there, seven or eight, maybe even 10! I’m going to have to buy a lot of tickets.

Leader of the pack: Lewis Moody has been confirmed as captain despite being an injury doubt

Fighting fit: Andrew Sheridan is due to face Ireland on Saturday

‘It’s very important to me to have them around. It’s an amazing feeling to have yourfamily there watching when you are playing. It gives me that extra push when my family are there to support me.’

Asked to explain what he will offer England, Tuilagi said: ‘I just run hard at defenders and try to break them down. It is simple but it’s effective really.’

Graham Rowntree, the scrum coach, confirmed on Tuesday that regular skipper Lewis Moody and scrum-half Ben Youngs will not feature against Ireland and are not certain to be fit to face the Pumas.

However, Lions prop Andrew Sheridan is in contention to appear in the matchday 22 to be named on Thursday if he comes through training this week without any hitches.

James Haskell has become the latest England player to suffer an injury scare. After feeling discomfort in a foot he was sent for a scan on Tuesday.

Rowntree admitted that after losing in Cardiff, England cannot afford to suffer a second successive defeat. ‘It would put a bit of pressure on us,’ he said.

‘It’s not something we can’t deal with but it would put pressure on us for sure.

This game has definitely taken on greater importance. It will be intense and we want to win.’